The secret life of handmade art dolls

February 25, 2010

A Little Fireside Reading

I often dream of someday having a real fireside to curl up by, of course while sipping brandy and reading some good books. But for now I usually read huddled under some absurd configuration of scarves, ponchos and wool blankets, as close as I can get to my baseboard heaters without actually lying on the floor - whatever it takes to stay warm in these cruel winter months. I've been reading both some pretty silly and not-so-silly stuff lately, but I'll share the stuff that has the best covers and would be most delicious by my imaginary fire.

To read Dorothy L. Sayers and is to release your inner gentleman detective. Lord Peter Wimsey is an aristocrat and a PI; he is a dilettante in the sense that he doesn't work for money, but no scoundrel ever eludes him! There are sentences in Sayers' books that make me laugh out loud. To wit: "'The unidentified body in the bathtub wore only a pince-nez and was unabashedly dead." Most of the Wimsey books are novel-length, but some are collections of stories and the titles of these are also hilarious: 'The Abominable History of the Man with the Copper Fingers'; 'The Vindictive Story of the Footsteps that Ran', etc. Fire or not, these are good fun.

And I'm almost finished a creepy and gripping little book by Shirley Jackson, who wrote the oft-anthologized short story, 'The Lottery'. We Have Always Lived in the Castle was sent to me by my friend Tommy, along with many other wonderful, wee things that really deserve their own post; they are doll-sized and have their own story. Tommy said that my dolls remind him of the sisters in the book, Constance and Merricat, so of course I devoured it and he knows me and my dollies so well; while I was reading, I kept imagining how what the doll versions of these characters might look like.

I have a few Alices that are nearly done, so I'll be back in a few days with some photos, but I hope you'll all stay warmed by fireplaces - real or imaginary - until then. (Unless you're somewhere very hot - then I send you breezes and drinks full of fruit and crushed ice!)

12 Comments

I was forcefully told the other day by my boss (who is also a great fan of your work) that I was simply NOT able to be a fan of your dolls UNLESS I had read the trilogy Gormenghast.
I was then very graciously begifted with a beautiful copy, which I intend to start to devour soon :-)

While I was reading your post, the only thing that came into my mind was the Gormenghast trilogy and I decided to write about it, scrolled down the page, but saw that mayple just mentioned about it! :) I think it was one of the best books I've ever read, finished it four years ago, read it once again, and I'm still getting excited when I think about it. I hope you devour it with the same feelings :)

Actually my intention was to ask Sarah: Did you ever thought about creating the doll of Fuchsia of Gormenghast? She would be sooo perfect in your hands :)

just love your book choices, and it is cold here too! coldest Winter ever, and Floridians don't know what to do? LOL I figure if I keep making Springtime dolls maybe it will warm up
crazed about vampire books, scary and hot
your fairy friend
Karey

Two recommendations for the Gormenghast
trilogy - Ill definitely have to check it out! Thanks Maybe and Burcu for that, and thank you Sarah for the literal warm wishes. And Karey, I too love Vampire books - you must watch True Blood, right? So much fun!

I love when you share your readings!
I've read the shirley jackson , yes it's very strange and your dolls seem coming from the same family I can't wait to see your Merricat and Constance dolls versions!

Hi! Sarah,
I went to your Etsy shop first...and it scared me as I thought you had sold all of your Alice dolls...but it wasn't so. Whew! that was a close one! Life gets so busy, the days are flying by!
I like your choice of books. 'We Have Always Lived In The Castle' looks like a charming book. My mother's maiden name is Jackson, so I should be able to remember the author's name.
Hey! If you get 'Anthropologie' catalogs, take a look at the second model in the catalog. She could be your sister, besides from the fact that there are a lot of cool things in the catalog...it's the March 2010 issue. There is a 'merecat' in the 'Eragon' series of books...quite an interesting character if you like that kind of fantasy.
Well, I'm off to see 'Alice In Wonderland' this Friday evening...got my tickets early as I expected a sell out for the first few showings.
Stay warm, wish I could send you some California sunshine...it's not the warmest here but no snow. I pile my bed high at night with blankets as I like the weight of them. It feels very cozy and I sleep like a kitten.
=^..^=

Teresa: Ive never seen the Anthropologie catalog - maybe I could order it? Ive looked at their website - so beautiful! I know they have stores in toronto, but I dont think there are any in Montreal, which is too bad. Ill keep an eye out!